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November 30, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Report: Video Game Console Sales Down Nearly 50% in 2004
o Sony Releases Hard Drive-Based Walkman Portable Music Player
o Animation Production Company Wild Brain Raises $30 Million
o Game Developer Valve Wins Contract Dispute with Vivendi Over Cybercafes
o Midway Games Acquires "Mortal Kombat" Developer Paradox Development
o Chinese Online Game Operator Shanda Buys Stake in Korean Developer Actoz
o E-Book Systems Lands $3 Million as Part of Asian Joint Venture
o Ampex to Get $40 Million in Sony Settlement

 > DMW Announcements:
--Digital Music Forum - March 2, 2005  
   

 > Featured Advertisement:
--Qualcomm - Senior Legal Counsel
 

o Briefly Noted: Sony/IBM/Toshiba - "Cell" processor, Sigma Designs - Microsoft, Valve's "Half-Life 2" - 20,000 shut-outs, Google - share buyback, Loudeye - Music Choice, NTT DoCoMo - mmO2, GoFish, Comcast - HDTV On Demand, Merriam-Webster - "blog"
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
--RealNetworks - Legal Counsel - Digital Music Business
--Engineer - Telecommunications
--Media Relations Pro Wanted
--Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Project Manager and Help Desk Positions
--Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft
--Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
--The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions
--Business Development Director
--Account Manager
--
Practice Leader, CMO Group
--Public Relations Specialist
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Report: Video Game Console Sales Down Nearly 50% in 2004

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- The video game console market is at the back end of its current cycle, with shipments and prices now expected to decline until the release of the next generation of consoles, according to a report from Arizona-based market research firm In-Stat/MDR. Worldwide shipments of consoles this year are predicted to reach 19.3 million, down almost half from the 35 million shipped in 2003. The first next-generation console should hit the market in the fourth quarter of 2005 with the introduction of Microsoft's Xbox 2. Sony is expected to launch its PS3 console by mid-2006, with Nintendo to release its next console either before, or simultaneously with Sony. In-Stat projects that Sony will ship the most next-generation consoles through 2008; the company reported shipping its 70 millionth PlayStation 2 in January.
http://www.instat.com/catalog/Ccatalogue.asp?id=162 
_____________________________________________

o Sony Releases Hard Drive-Based Walkman Portable Music Player

Amsterdam -- Japanese consumer electronics firm Sony on Tuesday introduced its first Walkman portable music player to feature a hard drive and support for the ubiquitous MP3 format. The 20GB player will go on sale in the U.K. and Japan next month for $462, nearly $40 more than Apple's comparable 20GB model iPod. The device, which comes in five colors, will be released in the rest of Europe early next year. The Walkman will not play songs purchased from Apple's iTunes Store; likewise, the iPod cannot play songs purchased from Sony's Connect online music store. Sony contends that the Walkman can hold up to twice as many songs as an iPod, though, if songs are formatted using its proprietary ATRAC3plus compression.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z53C238E9 
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V55C258E9 
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o Animation Production Company Wild Brain Raises $30 Million

San Francisco -- Wild Brain, a producer of animated entertainment, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $30 million in a round of funding led by Valence Capital Management. Previous investors including Syntek Capital AG also participated. San Francisco-based Wild Brain recently announced a deal to co-finance and co-produce 3D CGI animated films with Miramax Films and Dimension Films. Their first joint production will be "Opus," which is adapted from an idea by illustrator Berkeley Breathed. Wild Brain said it will use the proceeds to further accelerate and support its production of feature film, commercial advertising and television properties.
http://www.wildbrain.com 
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o Game Developer Valve Wins Contract Dispute with Vivendi Over Cybercafes

Kirkland, Wash. -- Video game developer Valve Software announced that the U.S. District Court in Seattle has ruled that publishing partner Vivendi Universal Games breached its contract with the company when it distributed Valve's PC games in cybercafés around the world. The court did not rule on what, if any, damages to award Valve. "We're happy the court has affirmed the meaning of our publishing contract," said Valve CEO Gabe Newell. "This is good news for Valve and its cybercafé partners around the world." Valve and Vivendi have several other lawsuits pending, including a charge from Vivendi that Valve violated its publishing agreement with Vivendi by distributing its "Half-Life 2" game through an online system in addition to in stores, where Vivendi would share in profits.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5708
http://www.vugames.com 
http://www.valvesoftware.com 
____________________________________________

o Midway Games Acquires "Mortal Kombat" Developer Paradox Development

Chicago -- Video game publisher Midway Games said on Tuesday that it has acquired Moorpark, Calif.-based Paradox Development, which is developing Midway's upcoming "Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks" title. Midway tendered 333,334 shares for Paradox; the company's shares closed up slightly on Tuesday at $10.84. Midway said the "Mortal Kombat" franchise has generated over $1 billion in games, movies, music, toys and other merchandise since launching in 1992. The acquisition is Chicago-based Midway's third in recent months. The company also bought Austin-based Inevitable Entertainment, developer of its "Area 51" title, and Seattle-based Surreal Software, which created Midway's "The Suffering."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041130/305268_1.html 
http://www.midway.com 
http://www.px.com 
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o Chinese Online Game Operator Shanda Buys Stake in Korean Developer Actoz

Shanghai, China -- Chinese online game operator Shanda Interactive Entertainment announced on Tuesday that it has purchased a 29% controlling stake in Korean online game developer Actoz Soft for $97.1 million in cash. Actoz is co-owner of the copyright for "The Legend of Mir II," currently the most popular online game in China. Shanda operates "Mir II" in China, as well as other titles including "BNB," currently the most popular casual online game in China. Shanghai-based Shanda said the strategic investment secures an alliance with its leading supplier of online game content.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041129/cnm003_1.html 
http://www.snda.com 
http://www.actoz.com 
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o E-Book Systems Lands $3 Million as Part of Asian Joint Venture

Santa Clara, Calif. -- E-Book Systems, developer of a 3-D page-flipping interface, has announced that it will receive a $3 million investment from Japan's Softbank Media & Marketing as part of a joint venture between the two companies. Specifically, the investment will go to E-Book Systems' Singapore-based unit, which holds a number of patents for e-publishing technologies. The new joint venture company, E-Book Systems Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), will direct the establishment of electronic publishing in Japan and Korea. E-Book Systems KK anticipates turning a profit by 2006. Currently, 273 magazine titles worldwide use the company's technology, which delivers multimedia content in the form of a virtual book.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041129/295393_1.html 
http://www.ebooksys.com 
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o Ampex to Get $40 Million in Sony Settlement

Redwood City, Calif. -- Ampex, a developer of audio-visual technologies, said on Monday that it will receive $40 million in a settlement of its patent infringement suit against Sony. The suit, filed in July, revolved around technology relating to digital still cameras manufactured and sold by Sony. Under the settlement, Sony will be permitted to use Ampex patents in any of its products through April 2006. Ampex also recently announced patent license agreements with Canon and Sanyo Electric Company.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041129/295255_1.html 
http://www.ampex.com 

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>DMW Events:

 



5th Annual Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

The Digital Music Forum has a strong history of attracting leading minds from both content and technology industries for a 1-day executive forum in NYC focused on deal-making and the future of music.  For more information click here.  To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration: $195 (until December 31st)
Pre-registration rate: $295 (Jan 1 until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)

Phone: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:

Senior Legal Counsel

Role Participate as a member of the content acquisition negotiating team, thinking through all business and legal issues based on a minimum of ten (10) years experience with licensing and distribution of content. Skills/Experience: Previous experience at entertainment/media company specializing in licensing intellectual property. Ability and willingness to participate in identifying and thinking through diverse issues related to launching a new business. Team player with personal skills needed in initiating important new business relationships. Ability to grasp new and changing technology. Existing relationships with entertainment / media industry executives a plus. Additional Skills: Negotiating distribution agreements for programming content including: U.S. copyright licenses International licensing, U.S. and international law governing licensing, understanding of regulatory environment and implications of actions, issues related to licensing and sub-licensing content, rights grant, packaging, pricing, marketing, promotions (including design and registrations paperwork), reporting, advertising and sponsorships, music performance rights, other performance and talent issues (ex: BMI, SAG/Screen Actors Guild), wholesale and retail distribution issues, transmission, security, and transfer issues. Education Requirements: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, JD degree. Member of the California Bar. Qualcomm's requisition # D1643408DMW.

To apply, go to: http://jobs.qualcomm.com/staffing/Staffing.asp?page=search

Contact Info: Send inquiries to msexton@qualcomm.com
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Tokyo) Sony, IBM and Toshiba have announced that their jointly-developed "Cell" processor, which will power Sony's next-generation video game console, will begin production in early 2005 and be included in products that will ship in 2006. IBM and Sony are currently developing the first Cell processor-based workstation, which game developers will use to code games for the PlayStation 3. In addition to game consoles, Sony will include the Cell processor in home servers for broadband content and HDTV systems. Toshiba said it will release its first Cell-based HDTV set in 2006.
http://www-03.ibm.com/chips/news/2004/1129_cell1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041129/computer_chip_4.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/29/ibm_sony_cell_debut
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5690

(Milpitas, Calif.) Chipmaker Sigma Designs and Microsoft jointly announced on Tuesday the range of consumer electronics currently available featuring Sigma chips that support Windows Media Audio and Video 9. These products include networked DVD players from makers including KiSS Technology, I-O Data, Buffalo and Lite-On IT; Windows Media-enabled digital media receivers from Vertex Link Corp. and Twinhead International; and an IPTV set-top box from Wegener that supports Windows Media Video 9.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041130/sftu081_1.html 
http://www.sigmadesigns.com

(Kirkland, Wash.) Valve Software, developer of the popular PC game "Half-Life 2," reports that it has shut out over 20,000 accounts from users attempting to register unauthorized versions of the game online. All copies of the game must be validated through Valve's Steam online gaming service. The company said it has shut out anyone trying to register with a pirated activation key or open an account with a stolen credit card.
http://www.valvesoftware.com 
http://www.steampowered.com/forums

(Mountain View, Calif.) Search engine giant Google announced on Tuesday that it will begin a buyback offer for 23.4 million shares it says it may have issued improperly to current and former employees and consultants. However, few are expected to accept the offer, which will offer $3.94 per share for stock that closed on Tuesday at $181.98.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=goog

(Seattle) Loudeye, a provider of streaming song samples and other digital media services, announced on Tuesday that it will provide content ingestion, encoding, editing, watermarking and delivery services for Music Choice, a provider of digital music services to cable TV and broadband providers. Seattle-based Loudeye will support the launch of Music Choice's on-demand music video service, encoding the content into the CableLab MPEG format for Music Choice's broadcaster customers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041130/sftu042_1.html 
http://www.loudeye.com 
http://www.musicchoice.com

(London) NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile operator in Japan, and U.K.-based mobile operator mmO2 Plc announced on Tuesday that they have reached an agreement to offer DoCoMo's i-mode services in the U.K., Germany and Ireland next year. i-mode is an "always-on" Internet service that allows users to send email, chat, play games, download ringtones and access content.
http://www.mmo2.com/media/pr_041129.asp

(San Francisco) GoFish Technologies on Tuesday announced the launch of a beta test of its digital media search platform. The service offers search engines and consumer portals the ability to deliver targeted results from its index of licensed and commercially available digital media downloads, including music, movies, music videos, ringtones, and mobile and PC games.
http://www.gofish.com

(Washington) Cable TV operator Comcast on Tuesday launched its HDTV On Demand service for the Washington Metro and Virginia region. The service will initially offer movie titles including "The Passion of the Christ" and "The Living Sea" in high-definition, for between $3.99 and $5.99 per selection.
http://www.comcast.com

(Los Angeles) Current Attractions, provider of a paid subscription service offering independent movie ratings, on Tuesday launched a version of its PSVratings service for video games. The database-driven system, based on standards created by educators, child psychologists and child psychiatrists, all of whom are parents, assigns "stop-light" ratings of green (suggestive), yellow (explicit) or red (graphic) on matters of profanity, sex and violence in games. "A lot of parents might be shocked by what some video game developer has decided is appropriate for their child," said Current Attractions CEO David G. Kinney. "The PSVratings offered at Current Attractions make no value judgments about age-appropriateness. That is a parent's job. We take objective, quantitative research and present it in a way parents can easily understand."
http://www.currentattractions.com

(Springfield, Mass.) Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster announced on Tuesday that "blog" topped its list of the most-requested definitions searched for during 2004 at its online dictionary service. The publisher defines the term as, "a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer." Other terms in the top 10 for 2004 included "electoral," "cicada" and "defenestration."
http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/04words.htm 

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media

We are looking for Senior Managers within our Business Development, Digital Media area in Products and Services. We need qualified candidates in 3 functional areas, to include MESSAGING, Digital Media (games, ringtones, music) and in our BOOST area. MUST have previous digital media experience in some capacity. MUST have previous business development, product management, or partnership experience within the telecommunications and wireless industries. Positions located in Reston, VA.  Contact anna.early@nextel.com
_________________

> RealNetworks - Legal Counsel - Digital Music Business

Looking to hire a lawyer for London office to work on matters related to digital music business: Rhapsody, RadioPass and mobile music services. Will negotiate and draft content licensing agreements with record labels and music publishers; distribution, marketing agreements with broadband service providers, websites, retailers, and mobile carriers. Must have 3-7 years experience in digital music/media, licensing and distribution, Internet law issues, excellent writing, negotiation skills and academic record.  Please apply online at http://www.real.com under Intl. jobs - job code 1390. Closing date for applications is 12/03/04.
_________________

> Engineer - Telecommunications

The Maryland Public Service Commission is seeking a Public Service Engineer III to provide policy recommendations, technical assistance, and oral and written reports relative to existing and new communications technologies. Require a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. 2 yrs of engineering exp. conducting inspections, tests, investigations and evaluations of physical facilities used by public utility companies in the production and distribution of products and services. Visit http://www.workformaryland.com for a detailed job announcement. Send State app (MS100) to jstout@psc.state.md.us Apps. must be received or postmarked by Dec 13, 2004. EOE/ADA
_________________

> Media Relations Pro Wanted

Want to join a close-knit, fast-paced team of public relations and public affairs pros? Want an environment where you can learn from the best? Ignition Strategic Communications is seeking a mid-level media relations specialist with 3-5 years agency/corporate experience. Technology experience a major plus. Position requires trade and national media relations experience, excellent writing skills. Demonstrated ability to execute high-level media relations campaigns, build client relationships and secure coverage. Journalism experience helpful. Send resume, two writing samples to: mediarelationsdc@hotmail.com
_________________

> Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director

The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that places top performing candidates within its premier technology client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to: http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
_________________

> Project Manager and Help Desk Positions

OpenAir Technologies, Inc. (http://www.openairtech.com), a nationwide provider of managed IP-PBX systems and advertising on hold solutions for the retail industry, has several Project Management as well as Helpdesk/Customer Service positions open. OpenAir Technologies, Inc. is looking for people with 1-2 years of relevant experience for our Headquarters in Reston, VA. Please send resumes to jobs@openairtech.com
_________________

> Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft

SWsoft is the leading provider of automation and virtualization software for hosting providers, TELCOs/ISPs and enterprises worldwide. We are looking for a Product Marketing Manager to lead and drive the execution of marketing efforts for our hosting software products. Candidate must have a successful and verifiable track record of broad software marketing experience and talent/potential. Compensation package includes salary, quarterly bonus and stock options. Send resumes to: jobs@sw-soft.com (subject "Product Marketing Mgr")
_________________

> Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)

Seeking highly motivated sales people with at least three years sales exp. and a track record of meeting sales objectives. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills a must - with minimal supervision. Responsibilities include consultative and solution selling to medium and large companies. Our solutions include Cisco, Microsoft, EMC, NEC, Tandberg and Verizon. Candidate must be able to develop and leverage relationships with technology partners for lead generation and joint sales opportunities. Send resumes to careers@aaanetworks.net
_________________

> The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director

The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that places top performing candidates within its premier technology client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to: http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
_________________

> Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions

Responsible for managing the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities specifying market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits to customers and non-customers. Driving a solution set across development teams (primarily Development/Engineering, and Marketing Communications) through market requirements, product contract. Send resumes to dromano@trustedcs.com For more info, visit http://www.trustedcs.com
_________________

> Business Development Director

Executes the overall business development strategy. Should possess knowledge of federal contract negotiations relative to the IT field, and be able to position IDC for bidding on large, multi-year opportunities. Will conceptualize and implement a plan to broaden our market base, diversify the business, and apply innovative strategies to increase profitability. Bachelor's degree and 10 yrs exp required. Please e-mail resumes to careers@idc.tv
_________________

> Account Manager

The Account Manager will manage a geographic sales territory
(North-eastern US), based in the greater Washington DC area. He/she will be involved primarily with managing existing customers and new prospects and
selling HP NonStop systems mgmt. solutions to achieve quota results. The qualified candidate should have specific exp. selling software solutions for the
HP NonStop environment, be a highly successful sales rep., have formal
sales training and strong sales process skills and exp. and systems mgmt.
exp. (e.g. CA UniCenter, HP Open View, Tivoli, BMC). Please send resume to
mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or visit
http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire224.asp

_________________

> Practice Leader, CMO Group

Forrester Research is seeking a highly motivated individual for the Practice Leader position in the Forrester Oval Program, The CMO Group, an exclusive executive membership program that offers a valuable combination of peer networking, dedicated analyst access, benchmark data, and member-directed research to select C-level marketing executives. Require: Master's or other advanced degree, Eight to 10 years of progressive work exp. within the marketing industry. Ability to manage a team of professionals in a fast-paced learning environment. Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Experience managing departmental budgets. Please apply online http://www.forrester.com/CareerOpportunities
_________________

> Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist Min. 5 years PR/management exp. PR
professional to maintain effective communications with media, serve as
main point of contact for PR activites, recommend PR strategy for high-
tech B2B clients, & lead PR account teams. Strong project management
& team-building skills required. Flexible personality desired to manage
clients & teams in an exciting, fast-paced environment. E-mail cover
letter and resume to hr@rmr.com
_________________

> New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


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